Grattan Institute says psychiatrists and paediatricians charge extreme fees

The Guardian reported that a Grattan Institute analysis found more than 2.2 million Australians paid an “extreme” fee to see a specialist last year. The think‑tank said psychiatrists and paediatricians were among the specialties most likely to charge patients fees that far exceed those of their peers. In some cases, doctors were charging up to three times the typical rate, a level the institute said cannot be justified by business costs.

The report added that specialists cannot blame inadequate government rebates or the expenses of running a practice for the steep price hikes, noting those factors account for only a small share of the increases Australians have faced. The findings suggest a pattern of pricing that goes beyond normal cost pressures in the health sector.

Why it matters

The data shows a large number of Australians are paying unusually high specialist fees, raising concerns about the affordability of essential health services.

Key details

Location

Australia · Oceania

Reported by

The Guardian

First reported

8 Nov 2026, 14:30 IST

Key names

Grattan Institute, Australians

Section

Health

Sources

This is an independent summary. Read the full, original reporting from the publisher:

• The GuardianPsychiatrists and paediatricians among specialists most likely to charge ‘extreme’ fees, thinktank finds 8 Nov, 14:30

Read the full story at The Guardian ↗

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